FC Goa head coach Manolo Marquez felt the game was a tale of two halves as the Gaurs edged out East Bengal FC 1-2 in the Indian Super League (ISL) match at the Kalinga stadium in Bhubaneswar on Saturday. 

FC Goa scored two quickfire goals in the second half to come from behind to take all three points in Bhubaneswar which was East Bengal FC’s makeshift home ground for the game.

Match Report: FC Goa maintain perfect start with comeback win over East Bengal FC

The Spaniard believes his team’s quality in front of goal made the difference in the end. 

“I think in the first half East Bengal FC were better. In the second half, FC Goa were better. But I think we were better in front of the goal than East Bengal FC,” Marquez said at the post-match press conference. 

Marquez was full of praise for the Kolkata giants and felt they are one of the strong teams in a very competitive ISL this season. 

“I didn't discover anything new today about East Bengal FC. They are a very good team in a lot of aspects. The competition this season is very even,” Marquez said. 

From behind, AGAIN. Another 3 points in the bag! 🤩🔥#ISL #EBFCFCG pic.twitter.com/ChE0W6hT9o

— FC Goa (@FCGoaOfficial) October 21, 2023

The Gaurs have now won their first three matches in the ISL this season and sit second in the table behind Mohun Bagan Super Giant after three matches. 

“It's better this season that all teams are playing the same number of matches after every round. For me, nine points in three games is the important thing. We can be top, first or second, and I prefer to be top but the standings can be confusing sometimes,” the Spaniard reacted. 

FC Goa now face Bengaluru FC in their next match on Wednesday and Marquez feels the quick turnover will test his players. 

“Now we focus on our next game in Bengaluru in three days. It will be another tough game. We will see how we can recover the players. But for sure we will be ready,” he concluded.